Luanda, Angola – 23 October 2023. The members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Advisory Group on Health made a field visit to the Hospital Materno Infantil Dr Manuel Pedro Azancot de Menezes in Luanda. The hospital was inaugurated on 1 June 2022, as a specialized facility to support maternal and child health services. The field visit was convened by the Angolan Ministry of Health, and coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO). This was in line with the IPU advisory group's focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

The delegation was met by the two Angola Ministry of Health State Ministers; for Public Health Dr. Carlos Alberto Pinto de Sousa and Hospitals Dr. Leonardo Europeo Inocencio. With them were the WHO Representative (ai) Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, and the Director of the Hospital Dr Manuel Pedro Azancot de Menezes; plus three Angolan parliamentary deputies who are members of the health committee of the Angolan Parliament. Additional esteemed participants included Dr. Luis Sambo, Former Minister of Health and WHO AFRO Regional Director Emeritus, and Dr. Flavia Bustreo, Former WHO Assistant Director-General for Family, Women's and Children's Health. Representatives of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Order of Doctors of Angola participated in the visit.

The visit included an overview of the purpose of the WHO-IPU partnership presented by Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, followed by an overview of the SRHR situation in Angola from four different perspectives: the WHO Country office, the Ministry of Health; the Angolan Parliament.

The day began with three interesting and enlightening presentations, offering the delegation insights into the advances made in SRHR. It was an eye-opener, shedding light on both the tangible progress and persistent challenges from the lenses of WHO in Angola, the Angolan Ministry of Health, the Angolan Parliament; and the hospital. This highlighted the crucial gaps in SRHR services and the need for the IPU to accelerate advocacy,  accountability, legislation, and funding from countries. The discussion was followed by a hospital tour, led by the two State Ministers and the Hospital Director, which showcased the government's commitment and investments in making SRHR services available.

The members of the IPU advisory group expressed appreciation for the opportunity that afforded them a more in-depth understanding of the issues they need to focus on to support SRHR services and the overall health agenda by parliamentarians. The visit helped contribute to bridging the gap between evidence and policymaking in this case regarding SRHR service uptake and use. The Ministry of Health appreciated the interest of the Members of the IPU in advocating and supporting the SRHR services.